PENNSYLVANIA

What benefits can a single mother get in Pennsylvania?

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A single mother with two children in Pennsylvania with no income may qualify for up to $403 a month in cash assistance (TANF) and up to $808 a month in food benefits (SNAP). A one-time utility payment (LIHEAP) may add up to $1,000. Child care assistance and Medicaid coverage may also be available.

Pennsylvania Benefits Overview

Last updated: November 14, 2026

Benefit amounts and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Always verify current program requirements with the administering agency.

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Estimated benefits for a single mother in Pennsylvania

Program	Estimated maximum amount
Cash Aid Short-term cash assistance for basic needs, rent, and utility bills.
TANF	$403a month
Food & Nutrition Grocery and nutrition assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Summer EBT, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
SNAP	$808a month
Summer EBT	$240each summer
WIC	$52a month
Housing & Utilities Assistance with rent, home repairs, or heating/cooling bills.
LIHEAP	$1,000one time
Section 8	Check eligibility
Education & Training Tuition, books, and school expenses for single mothers returning to college or vocational training. Apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Pell Grant	$7,395a year
For the 2027—2028 academic year, a single mother in a household of 3 in Pennsylvania can earn up to $59,963 and still qualify for the maximum Pell grant of $7,395.
Pennsylvania State Grant Program	$5,750a year
Other financial assistance programs Copay
Child Care Works	$0at this income
Medicaid	Check eligibility
If help is urgent
PA 211 is one call for food today, a place to stay, and help with rent or utilities.

This is an unofficial benefits estimator. No personal data is collected or stored. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, location, eligibility criteria, and recent data updates at the time of application. The federal programs available in every state are described in the guide to grants for single mothers.

Pennsylvania Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Pennsylvania TANF provides temporary cash assistance to needy families to help cover basic living expenses such as food, shelter, and utilities. In Pennsylvania, a family of three is considered “needy” if its countable income is below $403 per month.

As a condition of eligibility, cash assistance recipients must complete and sign an agreement to participate in work activities that will lead to employment.

How much cash assistance will I get in PA?

Pennsylvania has different benefit levels (Groups 1 through 4), where benefit amounts vary depending on the county or region. For example, a standard family of 4 in Philadelphia PA (Group 2) with little or no income may receive up to $497 in cash benefits each month.

How do I apply for cash assistance in PA?

You can apply for TANF online through COMPASS or by completing and submitting an application to your local County Assistance Office (CAO).

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 395-8930

Pennsylvania Diversion Program

Pennsylvania Diversion is a way for families to choose short-term help rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

It provides a one-time lump sum payment once in a 12-month period dependent upon your need, with the maximum payment set at three (3) times the Family Size Allowance. ¹ That’s about $1,209 for a family of three.

How much do I get for the diversion program in PA?

How do I apply for diversion program in PA?

For a short-term, non-recurrent, cash payment, you may apply for Diversion Assistance by completing an online application through COMPASS.

Upon successful submission, a face-to-face interview will be arranged to determine your eligibility.

Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Pennsylvania SNAP helps low income individuals and families obtain more nutritious diets and eat healthier by supplementing their monthly food budget.

Benefits range from a minimum of $306 per household member to a maximum of $808 for a family of three but may vary based on household’s size and net income.

What is the household income for SNAP benefits in PA?

In Pennsylvania, eligibility is limited to households with gross income of up to 200% of the poverty level or about $4,553 per month for a family of three.

If you are eligible, you will receive a Pennsylvania EBT ACCESS Card which can be used to make food purchases at grocery stores and supermarkets.

How do I apply for SNAP benefits in PA?

You can apply for SNAP online through COMPASS, Pennsylvania’s benefits application portal, or in person at your local County Assistance Office (CAO).

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 395-8930

Pennsylvania SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, Pennsylvania’s Summer EBT program, is a new grocery benefits program that provides households with a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible child to buy food during the summer months when school is not in session.

Many children will get these benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply. The benefits will be added to an existing SNAP/TANF EBT card or a newly issued Summer EBT card.

Use the Eligibility Navigator to determine if your child is eligible for SUN Bucks and whether you need to apply.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 395-8930

Pennsylvania Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Pennsylvania WIC is a federally funded program that provides healthy supplemental foods and nutrition services for eligible pregnant women, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under age five who meet the income guidelines.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to be eligible for WIC, you must have a gross household income not exceeding 185% of the federal poverty guidelines.²

How do I apply for WIC in Pennsylvania?

WIC Agencies provide services in all 67 Pennsylvania counties. You may call (717) 783-1289 to be connected to a WIC office in your county.

Pennsylvania Department of Health
Pennsylvania WIC
(717) 783-1289

Pennsylvania Medical Assistance

Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, also called Medicaid, provides physical and behavioral health coverage to eligible residents. Services include doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental and vision services, and support for long-term care.

Adults ages 19 through 64 may qualify through Medicaid expansion with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. For a household of three, this is about $3,142 per month.

If you are over 19 and don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may find coverage through Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official insurance marketplace.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Pennsylvania?

You can apply for or renew your Medical Assistance online by using COMPASS or apply by telephone by calling the Consumer Service Center at (866) 550-4355.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Consumer Service Center (Healthcare Application Help)
(866) 550-4355

Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program

Pennsylvania CHIP provides health coverage to uninsured children up to age 19 whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private coverage.

Most families with income below 213% of the FPL are eligible to receive CHIP at no cost. Families with income between 213% and 319% of the FPL will pay modest monthly premiums and co-pays for some services.

How do I apply for CHIP in PA?

You can apply for CHIP online through COMPASS or call the CHIP helpline and select prompt No. 2, then select prompt No. 1 for application assistance.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Pennsylvania CHIP Helpline
(800) 986-5437

Pennsylvania Family Planning Services Program

Pennsylvania’s Family Planning Services Program (formerly SelectPlan for Women) is a limited Medicaid program that provides free and confidential reproductive health care to eligible individuals ages 18 to 44.

Covered services include birth control at no cost, Pap tests, STD testing and treatment, and other family planning services. Coverage is fully free, with no premiums or copays.

What is the income limit for SelectPlan for Women in PA?

To qualify, you must be a Pennsylvania resident with income not exceeding 215% of the poverty level and have no private insurance or Medicaid.

You can apply online with COMPASS, or apply in person at any County Assistance Office or COMPASS Community Partner, including family planning clinics near you.

Pennsylvania Family Planning Services Program
Provider Service Center
(800) 537-8862

Pennsylvania Child Care Works

Subsidized child care in Pennsylvania is provided through the Child Care Works program that helps lower-income families pay their child care fees.

Since it is a subsidy, most families are required to pay a percentage of cost of child care in the form of a copayment — known as the family co-pay, on a sliding fee basis.

As a condition of eligibility, parents are required to work at least 20 hours a week or work at least 10 hours a week AND participate in an approved training program at least another 10 hours a week.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Pennsylvania?

Most families with incomes up to 200% of federal poverty level or about $4,553 per month for a family of three, qualify for child care subsidy.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Pennsylvania?

To apply for child care assistance in Pennsylvania, you must submit an application through your local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). ³

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Child Care Works Helpline
(877) 472-5437

Pennsylvania Head Start

Pennsylvania Head Start promotes school readiness for children in low-income families between the ages of 3 and 5. It does this by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services that prepare them for school and life.

Families who are 100% of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply. The pre-school program may be offered as center-based or home-based services — and is free.

What is the income limit for Head Start in Pennsylvania?

A family is eligible for the Head Start program if its household income is at or below the federal poverty level. That’s about $2,277 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for Head Start in PA?

You may apply for Head Start or Early Head Start services through your local Head Start grantee. Use the Head Start Provider Locator to find the program in your community.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)
(717) 346-9320

Pennsylvania Housing Choice Voucher Program

The HCV wait list is currently closed in Pennsylvania. Applicants may check their status online or by calling (215) 684-4300.

Pennsylvania’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, provides housing vouchers to low income families and individuals to find a housing unit of their choice in the public housing market.

Families who are income eligible often need to pay up to 40% of their rent and utilities while PHA cover the difference between the amount paid by families and the market rent for the unit.

In general, PHA pays monthly rent directly to the owners or landlords of the units. The tenants do not receive any of the money paid for rental subsidy.

How long is the waitlist for housing assistance in Philadelphia?

The waitlist for housing assistance in Philadelphia can be several years long, depending on the program and current availability. Waitlists are often open only for limited periods due to high demand.

Since openings can be brief and competitive, you should contact PHA directly or visit a local housing assistance office to ask about current waitlist status and upcoming openings.

Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)\

Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Pennsylvania LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their heating bills. This one-time payment is sent directly to the household’s utility company or fuel provider and credited to the household’s bill.

The table below shows the minimum and maximum LIHEAP assistance amounts available to eligible households in Pennsylvania.

Households experiencing a heating crisis, such as a utility shutoff, may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program, up to a total maximum benefit of $1,000.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania?

Applications for LIHEAP are available online through COMPASS starting on November 2, 2026 and remain open until April 23, 2027.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Statewide LIHEAP Hotline
(866) 857-7095

Pennsylvania State Grant Program

Pennsylvania State Grant Program is a state-funded financial aid program that provides funding to eligible Pennsylvanians who demonstrate high financial need to attend college.

Award amounts vary each year based on financial need, tuition costs, and available funding. For the current academic year, the maximum annual award is $5,750.

To be considered for a Pennsylvania State Grant, you must file your FAFSA no later than May 1 each year, and complete the PA State Grant Form if you are applying for the first time.

Students attending summer courses may apply for the award for the summer term. The deadline is August 15. Due to limited funding, late applications will not be considered.

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
Financial Aid Office
(800) 443-0646

Pennsylvania Parent Pathways Initiative

Pennsylvania Parent Pathways Initiative provides grants specifically to support parenting students with scholarships, emergency aid, childcare, housing, and other essential services.

Many campuses also offer on-campus childcare, transportation assistance, and dedicated “parent navigators” to help students balance academic responsibilities with parenting.

Eligibility and applications are handled through participating colleges or universities that have been awarded a Parent Pathways grant.

Students must first complete the FAFSA and first use all other available gift aid, before the grants may be used to cover remaining costs of attendance.

For additional information about the initiative, call
Pennsylvania Department of Education
(717) 783-6788

Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC)

The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC) is a new state-level tax credit modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The state credit is set at 10% of the federal credit. If a family qualifies for a $2,000 federal EITC, they can claim an additional $200 on their state income tax bill.

To claim, file both your federal Form 1040 and your PA-40 state tax return to claim the credit.⁴ You can file your PA-40 for free on myPATH, the Department of Revenue’s online filing system for state taxes.

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
(717) 787-8201

Local help in Pennsylvania cities

Local organizations that provide services such as legal aid, food, shelter, health care and family services.